Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti stepped down following mounting pressure over administrative failures during the national team’s tour of Australia.
Addressing a press conference, Bugti accused the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) of mismanagement and failing to release funds on time, which he said left the federation unable to meet travel and logistical expenses for Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League.
Bugti claimed that under directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PSB was required to ensure timely financial support. However, he alleged that delays caused severe difficulties for the team, particularly in Australia, where hotel payments were not released on schedule.
He said the situation forced players and officials into uncertainty, adding that despite personally visiting the PSB office to seek immediate clearance of funds, he was informed the process could take up to two months.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Butt painted a sharply different picture, claiming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken “very strict action” against the PHF leadership.
According to Butt, the prime minister had ordered the removal of Bugti, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid, and the entire team management.
The controversy escalated after videos and player statements surfaced on social media showing national team members living in substandard conditions.
In response, the PSB constituted a formal inquiry committee chaired by its Chief Financial Officer Hasnat Ahmed, with Saeed Ahmed Chaudhry and Rana Nasrullah as members. The committee completed its investigation within a day and submitted its findings to PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada.
Based on the inquiry report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly decided to remove the PHF president, secretary, and team management, although the federation has yet to issue an official confirmation.
Earlier in the day, tensions boiled over as the Pakistan hockey team openly protested against the PHF leadership. Captain Butt and several senior players said they could no longer continue under the existing management, accusing officials of misleading them and failing to provide basic support during the tour.
Adding to the controversy, Bugti had announced a two-year ban on captain Ammad Butt before his resignation, accusing him of threatening fellow players and running a campaign against the federation. He said the PHF had already decided a day earlier to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Butt over alleged misconduct.
As of now, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has not formally confirmed the reported dismissals.
